Punta Barragona is one of the most beautiful spots in Malpais and yet hardly anyone ever goes there because it’s difficult to find. The point is a huge rock, and there are surf spots on both sides of it (Mar Azul and Bahia Barragona). In front of this giant rock is an amazing set of tidepools. Check out photos of them here: Costa Rica tidepools.

Next to the point is a huge flat grassy area. Most of it is public land, and there’s rarely anyone ever here.

To get here, drive from the Playa Carmen area south into Malpais, and when you see a large sign on the right that says “Mar Azul”, turn right towards the beach. Go to the ends of this road and go to the left. You’ll feel like you’re driving into someone’s driveway, but you’ll exit onto the grassy area, and you can park out there underneath a palm tree.

To your left will be a beautiful protected cove with hardly any waves, which is in direclty in front of the well-known luxury villa rental March House. At low tide, it’s mostly rocky, but at mid/high tides, it’s a gorgeous white sand beach with hardly anyone on it. It’s very safe for kids.

On the other side of the cove is a mellow lefty point break inside the bay, which is good for beginning surfers.

High on the hills up above, you can see various villas such as Mel Gibson’s house, and both Casa de Amor and Villa de Amor.

This is a great place to go on a day when you’re surfed out or want to spend the whole day on a tranquil beach without a lot of people around.